The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association has unveiled the Licensing University lineup for Licensing Expo, featuring a variety of sessions for professionals in every aspect of the industry.

April 6, 2018

3 Min Read

Long-running educational series will feature sessions on digital media, crowdfunding and more.

The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association has unveiled the Licensing University lineup for Licensing Expo, featuring a variety of sessions for professionals in every aspect of the industry.

This year’s program will target topics that impact the business of licensing–from marketing to retail to app development.

Licensing University will be held June 20-23 in Las Vegas, Nev., in conjunction with Licensing Expo June 21-23, which is organized by UBM Americas and sponsored by LIMA. 

“Our Licensing University sessions are about much more than licensing; they tackle all the topics that impact a business’ bottom line,” says Charles Riotto, president, LIMA. “This year’s lineup provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with industry leaders and learn something new about trending topics in business.”

In addition to the regular Licensing University programming, this year’s keynote panel will examine the increasing role that content creation is playing within the toy industry and its implications for the toy, entertainment and licensing businesses. Taking place June 21 at 8 a.m. and moderated by LIMA’s Marty Brochstein, the panel, "Toys to Content: Where Do We Go From Here?" will feature Simon Waters of Hasbro, Laura Zebersky of Jazwares and Susie Lecker of Mattel.

Other highlights of this year’s Licensing University roster include:

  • Targeting Specialty Retail: Hidden Opportunities–An in-depth look at how brands can break through the clutter via case studies. Moderator: Melissa Fraley Agguini, executive director, products retail and licensing, Colonial Williamsburg. Speakers: Eric Flanigan, vice president, parks division, Aramark; John Jankowich, senior buyer, licensed merchandise, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store; Polina Rey, vice president, licensing, The Joester Loria Group

  • Crowdfunding: A How-To for Licensors and Licensees–A discussion on the benefits and challenges of crowdfunding, how it works and a comparison of the major platforms. Moderator: Karen Raugust, president, Raugust Communications. Speakers: Rob Goodchild, head, licensing, Aardman Animations; Erik Dahlman, founder, Albino Dragon; Dan Goodsell, writer/artist

  • The Art and Science of Competitive Shopping–An educational discussion on how to walk into stores and best get a handle on what’s really happening. Attendees will walk away with basic, intermediate and advanced tools and habits to integrate into your daily work life. Moderator: Leigh Ann Schwarzkopf, principal, Project Partners Network. Speakers: Annalisa Ciganko, senior director, Global Retail, Iconix Brand Group; Elisha Gordon, vice president, licensing, Jay Franco and Sons; Michelle Lamb, co-founder, Marketing Directions

  • Planning–and Executing–Your Social Media Strategy–An overview of the process for developing an effective social media strategy. Moderator: Natalie Cupps DiBlasi, co-founder & executive director, strategy, marketing & media, Laced Agency

  • The Online Video Revolution: Examining the Future of Media & Entertainment–Part of the second annual Digital Media Licensing Summit, this session will focus on the evolution of the digital video space and the platforms, metrics and technology that are shaping the future of entertainment. Speaker: James Creech, co-founder & chief executive officer, Paladin Software.

“One of the ways we ensure Licensing Expo continues to be a leading resource for licensing professionals is by hosting cutting-edge educational sessions,” says Jessica Blue, senior vice president, licensing, UBM. “The 2016 sessions and the return of the Digital Media Licensing Summit are just that, honing in on up-and-coming opportunities and what’s next in the licensing world.”

The keynote is free to all registered attendees and exhibitors of Licensing Expo. For an up-to-date schedule of sessions and to register for the full slate of 21 Licensing University sessions, click here.

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